Friday, April 17, 2009

Ohio to Allow a Third Pre-Season Scrimmage

By Jeff Fisher
The High School Football Huddle


Starting this fall, Ohio High School Athletic Association football schools will be permitted to participate in three preseason contests instead of two. The third contest, known as a Jamboree, As in the past, may be held anytime between August 14 and August 22.

A Jamboree is a contest played in accordance with National Federation of State High School Associations playing rules for a game that can last between two quarters to a full game. The Jamboree will provide football teams with a "game-like" tune-up prior to the first official game and will give school athletic departments an additional revenue generating activity.

In addition, schools that sponsor a Jamboree will contribute a portion of the income to the OHSAA to help defray costs of providing catastrophe accident insurance coverage. OHSAA catastrophic accident insurance provides coverage for more than 300,000 Ohio interscholastic athletes in the event of a catastrophic injury (medical bills exceeding $25,000). The annual cost of the insurance is $700,000.

"I think the coaches are excited that they will be able to provide their players with another tune-up prior to their first game," Daniel B. Ross, OHSAA Commissioner. "By charging admission, it will also give our member schools another revenue source during these tough economic times.

"In addition, the revenues generated will assist in paying the annual insurance premium, which provides catastrophe accident coverage for member school students who are athletes, managers, trainers and cheerleaders within the entire interscholastic program," Ross added. "By approving the Jamboree, our Board of Directors believes this is a 'win-win' for everyone."

For more high school football news from around Ohio, click here to go to the Ohio High School Football Huddle.

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